After my last time spent in Kenya and returning home in late 2006 I was contacted by Sister Joyce who is the Mission Superior for the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  She knew of my relationship and friendship with Sister Teresa and Sister Little and the work I had been doing in Kenya and Afghanistan.

She said that she was inspired to develop a plan for poor street children and orphans of Eldoret.  She asked if I could help and we agreed to remain open and let God connect us at the right time.

This year on May 16th I visited Sister Joyce accompanied by Sister Little at her convent.  Sister Joyce was laying in a bed with a broken back recovering after recently being released from the hospital.  This was the result of a small bus accident several weeks ago.  She is healing well and expects to fully recover.

As I met her for the first time it felt peaceful, her eyes sparkled and beamed light rays of happiness.  She explained that now she was beginning to plan her project in Eldoret because she was given 5 acres of ground by the Bishop of Eldoret to pursue her vision to help the poor.  She is very capable, bright dedicated and holds a PhD in Science and Botany. 

She is familiar with building and establishing agricultural programs while being guided by her heart and her faith in helping others realizes their path.  I could feel a close connection with her because of her humility, intelligence, wisdom and connection to our paths being joined.  
 
The project in Eldoret is important because there are many of the poorest people in Kenya there and so many orphans, street children and special handicapped children.  The plan consists of placing a well and water system on the 5 acres, building a convent (as the nuns would run the orphanage), children’s home and school along with other facilities making this a self-sustaining community.

Her philosophy is that every child here unless they are very smart academically will be taught a trade, a way to make a living and that at the age of 18 years they will then be able to support themselves.  This is not an institution but a loving caring training community to help you live in your community, your world.

Well it felt like talking with Fr. D’Agostino that is people being guided by a vision inspired from within, by God.  I knew we were in the right place together and so I went to Eldoret with three sisters including my friend Sister Little. 

We spent the day driving 7 hours each way and visiting the site for about 3 hours.  The property is very adequate and we met with an engineer builder of Sister Joyce’s choice to discuss the project.  A shelter plan was discussed and will be further refined, designed and cost estimated in the near future.  The size and number of children to be enrolled will be established also later but 200 children seems to be possible.

I met several more times with Sister Joyce, and she is recovering steadily and most encouraged that her vision is unfolding.  I hope to take this project very seriously because Sister Joyce is a very inspired visionary and I can see in the light of her eyes the same rays of love and hope that I saw in Father D’Agostino and a few others.